Non-destructive single seed or several seeds NIR analyzer and method

Abstract

A method and apparatus for optically interrogating a particle comprising obtaining a plurality of optical interrogations from a plurality of orientations relative the particle. In one aspect, the particle is tumbled relative to optical interrogation direction and reflected or transmitted energy is collected and added into a single spectrum that represents a complete spectral composition of the sample.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for optical interrogation of a single particle comprising:
 a. an optical interrogation probe adapted for optical interrogation of a single particle; 
 b. a mechanism adapted to induce change in orientation of the single particle relative to the optical interrogation of the probe; 
 c. so that the probe can obtain a plurality of optical interrogations of the single particle from a plurality of orientations of the single particle. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a retainer defining a space and at least substantially surrounding the single particle to prevent it from leaving the space. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the retainer comprises a cup shape. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the retainer includes one or more of a light reflective and light diffusive surface. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the mechanism provides mechanical force or forces to induce change in orientation of the single particle. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the mechanical force or forces comprise vibration. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the mechanical force or forces comprise agitation. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the probe is adapted to collect near infrared electro-magnetic radiation. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the single particle comprises an agricultural seed. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the agricultural seed comprises a corn seed. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the agricultural seed comprises a soybean seed. 
     
     
       12. A method for optical interrogation of a single particle comprising:
 a. optically interrogating a single particle from a plurality of orientations at least in multiple different planes by inducing change in orientation of the single particle relative to the optical interrogation; 
 b. co-adding acquired optical interrogation into a single spectrum; and 
 c. analyzing the spectrum for chemical components or characteristics of the single particle to provide a quantitative measurement of one or more chemical components or characteristics of the single particle; 
 d. storing the quantitative measurement in a memory of an electronic device. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12  wherein the single particle is an agricultural seed. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13  wherein the single particle is a corn seed. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13  wherein the single particle is a soybean seed. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 12  wherein the single particle is a pharmaceutical pill. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 12  wherein the optical interrogation comprises NIR electro-magnetic radiation. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 12  wherein the plurality of orientations are substantially all orientations. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 12  wherein the inducing change in orientation comprises mechanical force. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19  wherein the mechanical force comprises vibration. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 19  wherein the mechanical force comprises agitation. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 12  further comprising placing a light diffusive surface near the single particle during optical interrogation. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 12  wherein the single particle is interrogated within a fixed volume at least partially defined by a light reflective and diffusive surface. 
     
     
       24. A system for optically interrogating a single particle comprising:
 a. an optical interrogation probe adapted for optical interrogation; 
 b. a mechanism adapted to induce change in orientation of the single particle relative to the optical interrogation of the probe; 
 c. an electrical connection between the probe and a processor; 
 d. the processor adapted to receive and record reflectance or transmittance of optical interrogation of the single particle from a plurality of orientations. 
 
     
     
       25. The system of  claim 24  wherein the optical interrogation comprises NIR electro-magnetic radiation. 
     
     
       26. The system of  claim 24  wherein the mechanism provides mechanical force or forces to induce change in orientation of the single particle. 
     
     
       27. The system of  claim 24  further comprising a light reflective and/or diffusive surface at or near the interrogation position. 
     
     
       28. The system of  claim 24  wherein the processor is operatively connected to the mechanism and the probe. 
     
     
       29. The system of  claim 24  wherein the single particle comprises an agricultural seed. 
     
     
       30. The system of  claim 29  wherein the agricultural seed comprises a corn seed. 
     
     
       31. The system of  claim 29  wherein the agricultural seed comprises a soybean seed. 
     
     
       32. The system of  claim 26  wherein the mechanical force or forces comprise vibration. 
     
     
       33. The system of  claim 26  wherein the mechanical force or forces comprise agitation. 
     
     
       34. A method for optical interrogation of a single agricultural seed comprising:
 a. optically interrogating a single agricultural seed from a plurality of orientations at least in multiple different planes by inducing change in orientation of the single agricultural seed; 
 b. co-adding acquired optical interrogation into a single spectrum; 
 c. analyzing the spectrum for chemical components or characteristics of the single agricultural seed to provide a quantitative measurement of one or more chemical components or characteristics of the single agricultural seed; 
 d. storing the quantitative measurement in a memory of an electronic device. 
 
     
     
       35. The method of  claim 34  wherein the single agricultural seed is a corn seed. 
     
     
       36. The method of  claim 34  wherein the single agricultural seed is a soybean seed. 
     
     
       37. The method of  claim 34  wherein the inducing change in orientation of the seed comprises mechanical force. 
     
     
       38. The method of  claim 37  wherein the mechanical force comprises vibration. 
     
     
       39. The method of  claim 37  wherein the mechanical force comprises agitation.